Prioritizing patient problems is usually based on

A. Begin nursing interventions without needing an initial assessment: This option is not appropriate. A thorough assessment is crucial before any interventions are initiated. The nurse needs to understand the patient's current condition, medical history, and specific needs to provide safe and effective care.

B. Use critical thinking skills to organize care for the patient: Correct. Reviewing the nursing care plan allows the nurse to critically think about the patient's needs, plan interventions accordingly, and organize care effectively. It helps in understanding the patient's unique requirements and tailoring the care plan to meet those needs.

C. Make revisions in the plan as indicated by the shift report: This option implies that the nurse can modify the care plan based on the shift report. While shift reports are essential for continuity of care, the initial review of the care plan is more about understanding the existing plan and adapting it based on the patient's condition, not just the shift report.

D. Skip the shift report and begin with the initial assessment: This option is not appropriate. Both the shift report and the initial assessment are crucial components of patient care. The shift report provides important information from the previous nursing staff, and the initial assessment is the first step in understanding the patient's current state.

A. Administering pain medication: Administering medication typically requires a healthcare provider's order. Nurses can administer medications, but this action is not independent; it relies on a prescription.

B. Teaching a patient how to change their dressing before they are discharged: This is an independent nursing action. Nurses are educated and trained to provide patient education. Teaching patients about wound care and dressing changes falls under their scope of practice and doesn't require a physician's order.

C. Changing a patient's diet from pureed to regular: Changing a patient's diet usually involves dietary guidelines set by a healthcare provider. Nurses can implement these dietary changes based on the provider's orders but cannot independently change a patient's diet without an order from a healthcare provider.

D. Giving a back rub: Providing comfort measures like a back rub is an independent nursing action. It falls under the domain of holistic nursing care and doesn't require a specific physician's order. Nurses often use such measures to promote relaxation and alleviate discomfort.

E. Repositioning a patient in bed: This is an independent nursing action. Regular repositioning is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining a patient's comfort. Nurses assess the patient's mobility and reposition them as needed without requiring specific orders each time.